Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug screenings in Alpine, California. For anyone seeking hair drug or alcohol tests, our specialty lies in hair analysis. We provide testing facilities throughout cities across the nation, enabling easy access for hair testing. Typically requiring 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, samples can be drawn from the crown or body, allowing drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored testing requests.
In recent times, the prevalence of hair follicle drug tests has surged in drug screening practices. Increasingly, employers, judicial bodies, and substance abuse experts favor hair tests over traditional urine tests. This method is preferred by employers with strict drug policies, legal systems, and probationers. The main advantage of hair testing is its extensive detection window, revealing drug use up to 90 days, collected via observed processing, making tampering nearly futile. However, for detecting recent usage within five days, urine tests remain the most reliable.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair examination has emerged as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When cut near the scalp, it can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for initial testing and verification. For EtG tests, supplementary tests, or tests requiring more than 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. Our reference to head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in the laboratory comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial sample processing into the lab's framework. This process verifies the sample's secure sealing and proper shipment, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and inputs any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift examination for substance misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, confirmation is necessary for a positive screen to stand in legal contexts. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a washing process before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is inspected following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alpine, CA: Hair testing showcases enhanced advantages over traditional urine tests. This testing method boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability, offering a wide window for drug use history. Employers and legal systems gain from the comprehensive insights hair tests provide, revealing substance patterns untraceable through standard urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Alpine, CA: Hair follicle testing offers an extended window of detection for drug use, stretching up to 90 days. This wide timeframe allows employers to get a deeper understanding of their employees' or applicants' substance habits over time. It ensures a more thorough inspection of one's past substance usage, thus aiding in better decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alpine, CA: The methodology behind hair follicle testing significantly curtails the risk of sample tampering. This approach ensures that results are reliable and unassailable. By reducing the possibility of adulteration, hair tests grant organizations and individuals increased assurance in the integrity of the results they receive.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Alpine, CA: Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation simplifies the process for individuals and businesses. Those in Alpine benefit from quick, convenient access to hair follicle testing services, ensuring the process remains hassle-free. This accessibility is vital for meeting diverse drug screening needs effortlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Alpine, CA: The process of ordering, completing, and receiving results for hair follicle tests is straightforward and keeps confidentiality at the forefront. Customers can be assured of total privacy, fostering ease and peace of mind. This transparent procedure alleviates concerns surrounding privacy, making it accessible to all requiring testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alpine, CA: Hair follicle testing with us offers competitive pricing structures, ensuring good value for all parties. Coupled with quick result turnaround times, businesses of various sizes can benefit from economic efficiency. This affordability and speed help maintain organizational smoothness and client satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alpine, CA: Hair follicle testing excels due to its incredible precision and efficiency in results delivery. These tests provide highly accurate readings in detecting substance use, ensuring that individuals and employers receive dependable assessments. The speed with which results are obtained makes hair testing a preferred choice in many scenarios, offering prompt insights.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alpine, CA: Implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This compliance minimizes legal liabilities and boosts workplace safety. Employers are provided peace of mind, knowing their policy measures maintain a drug-free environment, enhancing trust with stakeholders and staff alike.
